Breaking The Stigma - Dumfries & Galloway

Women’s Health and Addiction - The Hidden Barriers We Must Address

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we focus on women’s health and the unique challenges faced by women affected by substance use, trauma and involvement in the justice system. Hosted by Barbara from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Vicki, Community Justice Partnership Manager for Dumfries and Galloway, and Michelle, Recovery Worker with With You in Dumfries and Galloway. Together, they explore the barriers women face when trying to access health services, including stigma, trauma, inequality in service provision, and the impact of complex life experiences such as domestic abuse, mental health challenges and motherhood. The conversation highlights gaps in areas such as reproductive health, menopause support, and dual diagnosis, while also exploring how services can better listen to and act on lived experience. The importance of safe, women-only spaces, peer support, and building trust is a key theme throughout. This episode also looks at how services must move beyond being trauma-informed to becoming gender-informed, recognising that women’s experiences are different and require a more tailored, compassionate approach. Whether you are a woman affected by drugs or alcohol, supporting someone who is, or working within services, this episode offers insight, understanding and a call to action for change. Because to truly support women, we must first understand their experiences. For more information and support, visit dgadp.co.uk. We are With YOU: Phone  0800 035 0793 [callto:0800%20035%200793]  Email: dumfriesgalloway@wearewithyou.org.uk  [dumfriesgalloway@wearewithyou.org.uk] Community Justice Partnership: https://www.dgppp.org.uk/about-partnership-and-strategic-partnerships/key-strategic-partnerships/community-justice [https://www.dgppp.org.uk/about-partnership-and-strategic-partnerships/key-strategic-partnerships/community-justice] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Recovery IS possible!

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we explore what recovery really looks like... not just in theory, but in everyday life. Hosted by Faye from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Charly from Dumfries and Galloway Recovery Together (DGRT) and Andrew, founder of Southwest Recovery Cafe. Through honest and powerful conversation, Charly and Andrew share their own lived experiences of recovery, what it means to them personally, and how recovery communities are helping people across Dumfries and Galloway find connection, purpose and hope. The episode explores how peer-led recovery groups work, how individuals can get involved, and why having a sense of community can make all the difference. It also highlights the challenges people face, including stigma, and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces where people feel understood and not judged. Whether you are at the start of your recovery journey, supporting someone else, or working within services, this episode offers insight, reassurance and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible. Because sometimes, the first step is simply knowing that there is another way forward. For more information and local support, visit dgadp.co.uk. For Southwest Recovery Cafe - Find us on Facebook or call 07858 417137 For D&G Recovery Together - Find us on Facebook or call 07548 309727 or email Dumfriesandgallowayrecoverytog@gmail.com Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Family Support - You're Not Alone

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we turn the focus to the people often affected but less often heard - families. Hosted by Jacqueline Stewart from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Angela Robertson, Chief Executive of Alcohol and Drug Support South West Scotland (ADSSWS), Elizabeth McColm, who works within the Being There family support service, and Sarah, who shares her experience of supporting a loved one. Together, they explore the real impact that drugs and alcohol can have on families, emotionally, practically, and day to day.  The conversation highlights the challenges families face, the importance of feeling heard and supported, and how services like Being There  provide vital help across Dumfries and Galloway. With a mix of professional insight and lived experience, this episode offers reassurance, understanding and practical guidance for anyone supporting someone affected by substance use. Whether you are a parent, partner, friend, or working within services, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone, and that support is available for families too. Because when one person is affected, so are many others. For more information and local support, visit dgadp.co.uk. For Alcohol & Drug Support South West Scotland https://www.adssws.co.uk/ [https://www.adssws.co.uk/] For Being There Family Support: https://www.adssws.co.uk/being-there/ [https://www.adssws.co.uk/being-there/] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

Naloxone Saves Lives!

In this episode of Breaking the Stigma, we focus on one of the most important tools in preventing drug-related deaths: naloxone. Hosted by Renata from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Kate from NHS Dumfries and Galloway, lead for Injecting Equipment Provision and Non-Fatal Overdose Outreach, and Yvonne from We Are With You, Community Engagement Coordinator. Together, they explain what naloxone is, how it works, and why carrying it could save someone’s life. The conversation covers how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in an emergency, and how to access free naloxone kits and training across Dumfries and Galloway. Whether you are a family member, a professional, or simply want to be prepared, this episode provides clear, practical information that could make a life-saving difference. For more information and support, visit dgadp.co.uk. We are with you https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/ [https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/] Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk

What is The ADP? (Alcohol & Drug Partnership)

In this first episode of Breaking the Stigma, we introduce Dumfries and Galloway’s Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP) and the vital role it plays in supporting individuals, families and communities affected by drugs and alcohol. Hosted by Jacqueline Stewart from the ADP Support Team, this episode features Penny Halliday, Chair of the ADP, and Jackie Davies, ADP Strategic Lead. Together, they explain what the ADP is, how it works, and how services across Dumfries and Galloway come together to reduce harm, support recovery and improve outcomes for people at every stage of their journey. Whether you are looking for help, supporting someone else, or working within services, this episode gives a clear introduction to the support available and how the ADP connects it all. For more information and local services, visit dgadp.co.uk. Produced by Your Fairy Podmother®️www.fairypodmother.co.uk